Ducky Year of the Pig vs HHKB ClassicRGB or Topre
Choose the Ducky for aluminum construction, RGB, and its 65% layout, or the HHKB Classic for Topre switches and a more compact 60% form.
KeebFinder may earn a commission when you buy through these links, at no extra cost to you.
from$204at MK
90-day lowLowest price in 90 days
Which one should you get?
Get the
Ducky Year of the Pig
Build quality in the bottom 30% of 65% boards under $300.
- Aluminum case and plate, with vendor-described nano-coating and zinc alloy stands.
- RGB lighting and multimedia keys.
- Copper-red PBT dye-sub keycaps, plus four Paiwan glass-bead-inspired dye-sub keycaps.
- Switches are soldered. Swapping them means soldering.
- 65% layout. No function row and no numpad.
Get the
HHKB Classic
Build quality in the bottom 15% of 60% boards under $300.
- Topre 45g tactile capacitive switches.
- 60-key layout with control-key placement the vendor says reduces finger travel during programming.
- Six DIP switches for layout customization and three-stage adjustable feet.
- Switches are soldered. Swapping them means soldering.
- Compact layout only. No function row, dedicated arrow keys, or numpad.
Pick the Ducky Year of the Pig if you want an aluminum case, RGB, multimedia keys, and a 65% layout. Choose the HHKB Classic if Topre switches, a smaller 60% footprint, and its programming-oriented layout matter more. Both require soldering for switch changes, so neither is a straightforward choice for frequent switch swapping.
The differences that matter
Skip the 40-row spec sheet. These are the specs that change how each board feels, sounds, and fits your desk.
Ducky Year of the Pig
HHKB Classic
Layout size
65%
60%
Case material
Aluminum
Plastic
Plate material
Aluminum
Plastic
Backlight
RGB
None
RGB for looks and low light rather than speed
Released
2025
2023
- Ducky Year of the Pig
- HHKB Classic
- Performance
- 6656
- Build quality
- 5345
- Productivity
- 4458
- Customizability
- 6147
- Portability
- 7073
- Mount style: Plate Mount
- Keycaps: PBT
What will you mostly use it for?
The Ducky has the edge for gaming, office use, and content creation on the basis of its RGB lighting and multimedia keys. For programming, the HHKB stands out for its control-key placement and home-row-oriented layout. Its 60% size also makes it the more compact travel option. Modding is limited on both because switch changes require soldering, though the HHKB adds DIP switches for layout customization.
Pick the Ducky Year of the Pig
- The Ducky lists RGB lighting, while the HHKB Classic has no backlighting.
- The Ducky's 65% layout is larger than the HHKB's 60% layout, which omits dedicated arrow keys.
Ducky Year of the Pig vs HHKB Classic specs
Every tracked spec, side by side. Rows marked with a dot differ between the boards.
6 of 16 specs differ
Ducky Year of the Pig
HHKB Classic
Switch options
Mount style
Layout size
Layout standard
Ergonomics
Display
Media keys
Connection
USB-C
Case material
Plate material
Keycaps
Backlight
N-key rollover
Mac & Windows
Released
Compare prices
Live prices from the stores we track, cheapest in-stock offer first.
Prices in USD are converted to your currency and can change at any time. KeebFinder may earn a commission when you buy through these links, at no extra cost to you.
Lowest price across stores, Amazon excluded.
- Check on Amazon
Amazon
Check price
Ducky Year of the Pig vs HHKB Classic: your questions
The Ducky is a 65% ANSI keyboard with an aluminum case, RGB, and multimedia keys. The HHKB Classic is a 60% board with a plastic case, no backlighting, and Topre 45g tactile capacitive switches.
Yes, the Ducky Year of the Pig has RGB lighting. The HHKB Classic has no backlighting.
No, the HHKB Classic is listed without LED backlighting. The Ducky Year of the Pig has RGB lighting.
The HHKB Classic is the smaller option, with a 60% layout and 60 keys. The Ducky Year of the Pig uses a 65% layout.
The HHKB Classic is the more programming-focused choice in its vendor description, which highlights its control-key placement and home-row-oriented layout. The Ducky is a 65% board, but its listing does not describe a similar programming-specific layout feature.
The HHKB Classic uses Topre 45g tactile capacitive switches. Its switches are soldered, so replacing them requires soldering.
The Ducky Year of the Pig does not have hot-swap sockets, and its switches are soldered. Changing them requires soldering.
The HHKB Classic's compact layout has no dedicated arrow keys, function row, or numpad. The Ducky Year of the Pig is a 65% layout, though the product details do not specify its key arrangement beyond that size.
Yes, the vendor says it includes four dye-sub keycaps inspired by Paiwan glass bead patterns. Its standard keycaps are copper-red PBT with dye-sublimated designs.
Yes, the HHKB Classic has a USB-C connection and is listed as wired only. The Ducky listing specifies a 60-inch cord.
Both keyboards are listed as supporting Mac and Windows. The Ducky vendor description also lists Linux compatibility for the Year of the Pig.
The Ducky Year of the Pig includes multimedia keys. The HHKB Classic listing says it does not.
Not sold on either?
Still torn?
Answer a few quick questions and the keyboard finder ranks 2,000+ boards by how you will actually use yours.